David Pearce

It does not seem to be widely publicized, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has a large number of international members. Three New Zealanders and four Australians have been invited to join the organization this year.

The release of 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' in both Australia and New Zealand illustrates some differences between the distribution and exhibition strategies in the release of such a film in the U.S. and Down Under.

One of the nicest places to visit in Auckland, New Zealand is the harborside suburb of Devonport. When you go there, take a look at the fabulous Victoria Theatre, the oldest purpose-built cinema in the Southern Hemisphere. The Victoria opened on Oct. 26, 1912 and was partly destroyed by fire in...